Sometimes you feel like getting away from Dubai and dreaming of some fresh air. But actually you can just visit one of those places and you will feel like you are travelling somewhere else and really appreciate living in Dubai. I wish I had known those places when I first moved here. So Shhhhhhh, let's keep them a little secret & Enjoy xx

1. The Terrace

At Dubai Creek Harbour on Ras Al Khor Road, this place is definitely a hidden gem, not easy to find but fine with GPS. And you can visit the flamingos on the way back, this is not far. This place has the most beautiful views of the Dubai skyline and Dubai Creek. It is like a lounge-bar, a family friendly place with a kids corner in a lovely garden with bean bags and nice music. They have a food truck and you can have coffee, burgers, fries but no alcohol. Perfect spot to have a drink at sunset in the middle of a field, yo. You'll own the city!

2. Cafe Rider Barsha

Cool place hidden in Barsha, with nice coffee, comfy couch and cool bikes to look at. A different crowd here, Love the cosyness, the old school atmosphere and the cool bikes and cars to look at.

3. The Acai Spot

A small healthy Brazilian cafe/restaurant near Deira City Centre. The interior is modern and colourful. They have books upstairs, a couch and lots of board games to spend the time. Try "The Loved One" with Acai, banana, strawberries, blueberries, granola and Greek yogurt or "Super Berry Smoothy" "cheesy bun" or "Avocado toast". DELICIOUS!

4. Arabian Tea House

The best place to eat in Bastakiya, Al Fahidi historical district, a stunning place where the food is absolutely delicious and cheap. I always get the vegetarian Thali and it is so yummy and fresh! The decor is charming in a beautiful & peaceful courtyard surrounded by fine Artworks.

5. The Farm Al Barari

An oasis in the middle of the desert, one of the most gorgeous restaurant settings you will come across in Dubai. The restaurant is located within the green surroundings of Al Barari compound, the most expensive residential area in Dubai. Perfect place if you are craving trees and nature, little bridges, waterfall, hammocks...Best known for its breakfast but they offer different type of food, coffee & cakes and Thai Food. Try the ''Virgin pina colada'' served in a pineapple and the Chocolate Delight! it is opened all day long.

6. Creekside Cafe

Great place to have a break after walking in the souk, eat and have coffee along the water on a beautiful sunny winter day. Appreciate the view on the Creek and watch the abras going by.

7. Coffee Museum

The coffee Museum should be visited and known a lot more than what it actually is. It traces the history of coffee through centuries and continents. On the ground floor you can try the coffee of the day served in the traditional way and on the 1st floor you can try coffees from all over the world in this charming little coffee shop. The museum is full of interesting & fascinating Artifacts.

8. Fish Beach Taverna

Not very ''hidden'' inside the Westin Mina Seyahi and quite known now in Dubai but without a doubt a unique place in Dubai. You will be transported to Greece for a moment. The place is stunning & located right on the beach. The white & blue decor is just amazing and you will feel like on a Greek island. Enjoy seafood, wine and the sunset!

9. Black Tap

This restaurant located inside the New Al Naseem Hotel is getting well known as they have the biggest shakes you could ever dreamed of. A burger and shake place where you can also consume alcohol. What else?? Paradise exists.

10. Muchachas

Inside the Holiday Inn hotel in Jumeira next to Safa Park, that mexican cantina has the cutest & most instagrammable decor. Put a mexican hat on and enjoy some guacamole, tacos, quesadillas and amazing cocktails. Try the most unique dessert ''Mexican Mud Bath'' with churros and fruit, Amazing! And good for two!

11. Nadi Al Quoz

One of the best and most unique places I've been to in Dubai. Nadi Al Quoz is a pop-up ZEN Space in Alserkal Avenue Warehouse 90, where you can have a coffee, chill on hammocks, sun-beds, swings or work with some colleagues in a zen environment. Put some slippers on and lie on a bed. The Most chilled place in Dubai!

12. Comptoir 102

One of the best healthy and organic cafe in Dubai. On Jumeira road, the place is beautiful, peaceful and well decorated. I also love the little boutique, pricey but offering decoration, fashion & jewelry brands you will not find anywhere else in Dubai.

13. Nola Eatery & Social house . JLT

Located in JLT in Armada Bluebay hotel, a very trendy & busy bar/restaurant in the evening. I love to come here for lunch because it is quiet and you can enjoy the lovely outside terrace as well. This place is unique with an atmosphere and decor just like in the French quarter of New Orleans. You will love the Louisiana feel and menu. I love ordering a pink lemonade and the braised beef short ribs with mash potatoes, absolutely delicious! They also serve alcohol and have ''happy hour'' everyday from 5PM.

14. Desert Palm

This a boutique hotel and spa with two restaurants, a swimming pool, a riding school for the disabled and a fully fledged polo facility with about 400 horses. A beautiful green hide away place to relax and enjoy the weekends, especially if you like horses. The place is away from the busy city life, past Dragon mart and the plant souk area of Warsan. You can buy a few plants on the way back for very cheap. Tha's where I got my giant cactus for 120 AED.Try The Desert Palm Brunch on Friday overlooking the polo fields at Dhs 395 with an impressive selection of drinks, and Dhs 295 for brunch with non alcoholic cocktails. The price also includes coffees and a stable tour, but you may have to wait for the buggies to become available to take you round. This is the PERFECT brunch for a special occasion. You can also visit the place and just have a coffee or ''A la carte'' menu at any of their restaurant.

15. Pier Chic

Not sure if it is hidden, most residents might know about it but when I moved to Dubai, I saw that pier's picture for a while and I didn't know where it was. So I guess it IS a bit hidden. Located in Al Qasr Hotel and the only restaurant at the end of a pier, on the sea in Dubai. A must go as the location is unique with a stunning view on the Burj Al Arab. Pricey but worth it!

16. Bikes'N Bites

Bikes'N'Bites is another bikers cafe with a very unique feel. The setting and decor are great and unique, just like being in a garage. They offer delicious burgers and milkshakes. I love how they serve burgers on a tray with chips, onion rings and gherkins. Try the sliders or Harley Davidson burger, you won't be disappointed!

17. Roseleaf café

Well hidden in the Garden Centre, the place is a nice stop for a coffee and a slice of cake, a healthy salad or main. There is a pretty garden patio where you are surrounded by plants and the atmosphere is just peaceful.

18. Jetty Lounge

In the One & Only Hotel, so quite known I guess, that lounge is right on the beach & pretty unique as the view on the sea and the Marina skyline is stunning. For me the best place to sip a cocktail while enjoying the sunset. They serve tapas but no mains. You can walk on the little pier and even take a boat to the "One & Only The Palm" if you book in advance. Quite special.

19. Treehouse

Hidden on the 3rd floor of the Taj Hotel in Business Bay, this place is one of the best rooftop lounge in Dubai, with a beautiful decor, lots of trees, pretty lights and an impressive view on Burj Khalifa. They have happy hour everyday from 6 to 9PM & ladies night on Tuesdays from 7PM.

20. The Espresso Lab

The Espresso Lab is well hidden in the Hundred Wellness centre in Jumeirah and has a beautiful wooden decor and a lovely garden. Probably one of the best places for real coffee in Dubai, served without milk and sugar (You have to drink coffee like they will say. The baristas are very friendly, professionals and they know their field.

21. Make Art Cafe

Another place not to miss in Bastakiya. A beautiful courtyard where they serve food, nice coffee and drinks. Perfect for Art lovers, you can have a look at the different Art galleries around and even buy some artworks if you wish. They also have a lovely rooftop area, amazing in winter!

22.Shakeism al Barsha

Hidden in Al Barsha and not so easy to find, they have the best shakes in the area. Try the "Full Metal Jacket" (Nutella, Ferrero rocher, Kinder Bueno) or "Cheesecake killer" they are delicious!! Delivery is super quick if you live in Barsha.

23. Life n'one

Well hidden just off Jumeira road in a well-being center, this place is a beautiful zen garden with wooden tables, books, inspirational quotes hanging everywhere serving vegan food. The almond milk cappuccino didn't work for me and the waffles for kids were hard but try the ''Avo toast'' or ''Berry Acai bowl'' with one of their delicious juices. They also have a little shop and offer yoga, pilates and meditation classes.

24. The Royal Buddha

By far the best Thai Restaurant in Dubai! Located in Holiday Inn in Al Barsha, The chef, manager and staff are of the highest calibre. Delicious and well presented food, big portions, great service ! We lived 3 years in Thailand and the food is just like overthere with spicy food and specialities from Isan. If you like authentic Thai food, this is the place for you! We come to eat here every week and we have never been disappointed once. They also serve alcohol, we love the fresh tiger beer on tap! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

25. Ramusake

Ramusake is my favourite Japanese restaurant in Dubai. Located in the Double Tree Hilton Hotel on JBR this place has a great atmosphere, the best little trendy bar with great music, an outside terrace, great service, amazing food and the best chocolate fondant I have ever had!

26. Cafe Isan

Cafe Isan has great Thai food and atmosphere with plastic tables and setting just like in Thailand. A nice place to have lunch or diner in JLT. I love their specialty the Colonel's beef noodle soup or prao pao gai, They also have lots of game to play with and spend a great time.

27. Tomo

Located on the 17th floor of Raffles Dubai, this place has an incredible view of the city, the perfect spot for a date or an occasion. Lovely interiors, outside terrace and delicious food. They offer lunch set menu and Friday Brunch.